Almost half of investors are going all-out for growth

In the second of a new series of monthly online polls, users of F&C Investments' investment trust website (fandc.co.uk) have revealed their investment objectives, with 46% of respondents to August's question ‘What is the aim of your investment?' saying they invest purely for growth.
A further 39% said they aimed to achieve a mix of growth and income from their investments, with the balance of 15% investing purely for income.

Some respondents to the survey left comments explaining their strategy, with one balanced investor saying "Income to spend - growth for inheritance for children". Another commented: "I think I should go more for growth at the moment," while one growth-focused investor summed up the mood of the market, saying: "Holding my breath that the market continues to rise on the back of exiting the recession".

With interest rates at an all-time low, the dividend yields available on equities - not to mention on other asset classes like commercial property - can provide an important boost for an income-seeking investor. However, growth investors can benefit from this too, as reinvestment of dividends can provide an important boost for future growth.

As the survey is conducted entirely online, it is possible it has captured a younger demographic, who are more likely to seek growth from their investments than the post-retirement generation who may be relying on dividends as a source of income. But Mike Woodward, head of investment trusts at F&C Investments, commented: "The results of this survey show that F&C is meeting a broad spread of needs through its range of investment trusts. From more aggressive growth-orientated asset classes such as Asian equities, smaller companies and private equity, right through to diversified global trusts managed more for growth (Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust) or income (British Assets), we feel we have something to offer investors at every life stage."